Practice plans should be designed to build fun into the drills, activities and mini competitions. Your goal should be to make sure each practice is fun, efficient and improvement is focused on all season long.

60 minute plan (for guideline purposes only)

1.Dynamic warm-up / Stretching / Jog (5 minutes)

2.Baserunning Drills (5 minutes)

3.Throwing / Catching (10-15 minutes)

4.Stations (10-15 minutes)

5.Controlled Game / Fun Drills / Teamwork Drills (10-15 minutes)

6.Post Practice Team Get together (5 minutes)

90 minute plan (for guideline purposes only)

1.Dynamic warm-up / Stretching / Jog (5-10 minutes)

2.Baserunning Drills (5-10 minutes)

3.Throwing / Catching (15 minutes)

4.Stations (30-40 minutes)

5.Controlled Game / Fun Drills / Teamwork Drills (15-25 minutes)

6.Post Practice Team Get together (5 minutes)

Practice

◊Stress the importance of practice to the kids and parents. Remind parents that the best way for the kids to achieve playing well and possibly having more fun in a game is by practicing and being prepared. We learn and prepare for the game by practicing.

◊One of the most important things to remember when running practice is to keep the kids busy or moving. Make the most of your time by breaking up into two or three groups, depending on the number of coaches, space, and equipment you have available.

◊Coaches must be prepared. Have your practice planned before arriving at the field. Jot some things on a piece of paper to help get your thoughts together.

◊Practice the way you play in a real game with proper techniques. During batting practice have fielders field the ball as they would in a game situation. Runners run hard and hitters take good cuts. Practice is the time to work out the mistakes and build confidence resulting in better play during games.

◊Start a routine. Get the kids to arrive at least 15 minutes before the game or practice to warm up by throwing, catching, and stretching together as a team. Practice scheduled at 9am means that the kids are warmed up and ready to go at 9am.

◊Take a team jog and stop to do some stretching. This is a great time to talk to the players – maybe give a little pep talk before a game. This is how we create a team concept.

◊Explain why as well as how, when teaching. For example, base runners are much more likely to make the little turn before each base if they’re aware that if they don’t their momentum will carry them to the outfield grass and they’ll not stay tightly in the base paths.